Marking the 150th birthday of exiled Punjabi Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, this must-see exhibition at Kensington Place — the childhood home of Sophia’s Godmother, Queen Victoria — offers an intimate look at Sophia and the remarkable women who influenced her: her sisters, Catherine and Bamba; her mother, Bamba Muller; and her grandmother, Jind Kaur, the defiant Maharani of the Sikh Empire.

Visitors follow the extraordinary tale of a family whose lives the Empire profoundly altered, yet who also became powerful agents for change in their own right. “Extraordinary women tell a story of courage, identity, and resistance,” says Putnam. “Presenting it within Kensington Palace gives us a rare opportunity to reflect on their intertwined histories and present objects that speak of both a global story and the personal stories of these women.”

Complex beginnings

Sophia was the daughter of Duleep Singh — the last Sikh Maharajah of the Punjab, whom the East India Company forced to surrender his lands in 1849. From there, he travelled to England, where he struck up a close friendship with Queen Victoria.

Sophia’s mother, Bamba Muller, was the daughter of a German banker and an enslaved Ethiopian woman. But while her mother grew up in poverty, Princess Sophia lived in luxury as an aristocrat at Elveden Hall in Suffolk. Her parents had remodelled the estate to resemble an Indian Mughal Palace.

Items from this residence — including an ornately painted Indian rocking horse and an Ottoman-style outfit Sophia wears in family photographs — illustrate the family’s rich but complex heritage.

A photograph of Sophia and her sisters, dressed as debutantes for their debut to society, also highlights the collection. “Princess Sophia was a noted society beauty and often appeared as one of high society’s ‘best dressed’,” says Putnam. “Another little-known fact about her is that she led Britain as one of the top dog breeders and trainers of her time. She especially loved Pomeranians and named her favourite dog, Joe.”

Princess pioneer

Aside from the dogs and dresses, people really celebrate Sophia today as the pioneering suffragette who used her profile to campaign for women’s right to vote. The exhibition presents an impressive collection of fascinating treasures—including personal letters, rarely-seen jewellery, photographs, and suffrage objects—to paint a vivid picture of this princess turned political force.

From her home in Hampton Court — where her godmother, Queen Victoria, had granted her residence —Sophia sold copies of The Suffragette newspaper and joined the mass boycott of the 1911 census. She scrawled a message across the form that the government had sent to record every person in the country: “As women do not count, they refuse to be counted. I have a conscientious objection to filling up this form.” The exhibition now displays this document for all to see as a core part of the collection, “No Vote, No Census.”

Lasting legacy

“As a member of the Women’s Tax Resistance League, Sophia was also taken to court three times for refusing to pay taxes,” says Putnam. We’ve displayed a banner with the slogan “No Vote, No Tax” about her role as a suffragette – a slogan that Sophia campaigned under herself.”  

The Princess never quietened; she marched alongside Emmeline Pankhurst at the Black Friday suffragette march. “After the events of Black Friday in 1910, she challengedWinston Churchill himself—then the Home Secretary. She wrote to him to criticise the violent police handling of 300 suffragettes who marched on Parliament, and to support one particular woman whom she saw the police treating badly. She never stopped; she dedicated her entire life to women’s rights. In the exhibition, you will see a photograph of Sophia and her sister, Catherine, attending a Suffrage dinner in 1930, alongside a copy of her Last Will and Probate document detailing her wishes for her estate. Sophia leftmoney in her will for women’s education, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the cause she first took up as a young woman.”

And for that we remain eternally grateful.

Last Princesses of Punjab is now open to the public is included in the Kensington Palace admission (from £24.70 per adult and £12.40 children). For more information click here.

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The Music is Black: A British Story
18 April, V&A East Museum, London

The long-awaited V&A East Museum throws open its doors for the first time, taking prize position within East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Debuting with a landmark exhibition exploring 125 years of Black music in Britain, take a multi-sensory tour through your favourite sounds. From reggae to grime – look at their impact on UK culture. Musos and culture vultures will be enthralled. www.vam.ac.uk

Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29 April – 4 May, venues across Cheltenham

As one of Europe’s most respected jazz festivals, Cheltenham Jazz Festival celebrates its 30 year anniversary. What to expect at this six-day event celebrating world-class jazz? A programme teaming with international names and emerging talent – musical icons like Van Morrison, Mica Paris and Courtney Pine will all perform. www.cheltenhamfestivals.org

The Cognac Show
17-18 April, Glaziers Hall, London

Cognac connoisseurs will want to pencil in a visit to this enticing two-day event. Guaranteed to whet your appetite, savour sips from producers from across the Chante region, including over 200 Cognacs, Armagnacs and Calvados. There’s also a series of masterclasses plus a dream pour token, which allows you to sample a Cognac worth over £250. The drinks’ cabinet looks forward to your visit. www.cognacshow.com

Curiosity by the Glass Events
Throughout April, venues across the UK

Keen to restock your wine cellar? Coravin invites wine lovers across the country to explore specially curated by-the-glass menus of unusual and hard-to-find wines. Using Coravin’s pioneering wine technology – which enables wine to be poured without removing the cork – enliven your palette with bottles from less-known regions and emerging producers. www.guide.coravin.com 

State Rooms Tour
6-19 April, Wellbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire

This astounding estate has been home to the Dukes of Portland and their families since 1607, and is the proud owner of one of the biggest privately owned art collections in the UK after the Royal Family. Fancy a nosey? For just two weeks, you can grab a chance to explore parts of the abbey never revealed before, including prised Portland Collection pieces by Sir Peter Lely, John Wootton and Sir Joshua Reynolds. www.wellbeck.co.uk

MasterChef Six Hands
18 April, Orion by Alex Webb, London

Mid-month, three of the UK’s most celebrated MasterChef the Professionals talents come together to present one menu, for one day only. Certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated culinary events of the year, the collaboration sees winner Alex Webb, and finalists Philli Armitage-Mattin and Bart Van Der Lee, join forces for an expertly crafted tasting menu. www.orionbyalexwebb.com

Grace Pervades
24 April-11 July, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London

Here’s an exciting chance to see legend of stage and screen, Ralph Fiennes, perform in the West End transfer of David Hare’s new play, Grace Pervades. Staring alongside Miranda Raison (Spooks), the story explores the extraordinary relationship between Sir Henry Irving – the first actor ever to be knighted – and Ellen Terry, the highest paid actress of Victorian stage. www.gracepervadestheplay.com

Salon Privé London
16-18 April, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London

Showcasing the best in automotive craftsmanship with the elegance of an English garden party, Salon Privé returns to Chelsea. Soak up the excitement of Opening Day on the 16 April, go all out for Ladies Day on the 17 April – or rev your engine ready for Supercar Saturday on the last day. Visitors can relish global model unveilings, classic car displays, plus plenty of luxury retail and fine dining. www.salonprivelondon.com.
Want to win four tickets to the Saturday event? Click here.

English National Ballet Body & Soul
30 April-2 May, Theatre Royal, Plymouth

The English National Ballet returns to Plymouth for the first time in 36 years with a production inspired by the bold, diverse voices driving ballet today. It’s a show of two halves, the first by five-times-Olivier-winning choreographer, Crystal Pite. Then there’s the second choreographed by Kameron N. Saunders, an artist with a massive following dancing for some of the world’s biggest names in pop. Even the curtain-cautious will be converted. www.ballet.org

Oyster Yachts Private View
29 April-3 May, St Katherine Docks, London

And finally, this month also brings some fabulous events at St Katherine Docks including spring markets, flower installations and Easter activities for children. But perhaps the most tempting is a private view from British yacht builder, Oyster, who will present various blue water models to make your yachting dream a reality. www.skdocks.co.uk

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Tracey Emin: A Second Life at Tate Modern, London
26 February-31 August

A landmark exhibition celebrating 40 years of one of the world’s most important contemporary artists, Tracey Emin: A Second Life is a journey of unapologetic self-expression, exploring passion, pain, and healing through the vehicle of the female body. The artist’s biggest exhibition to date, expect seminal installations from the Nineties, including the iconic, My Bed, plus paintings, sculpture, and also some never exhibited before works. www.tate.org.uk

Leicester Comedy Festival, venues across Leicestershire
4-22 February

As Europe’s largest and longest-running comedy festival, February sees 700 performances pop up across this county, with household names such as Sir Stephen Fry, Sara Pascoe, Ian Stone and Paul Merton performing alongside emerging talent. For the children, The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival will also run at the same time, showcasing 70 shows suitable for younger audiences. www.comedy-festival.co.uk

The Guinness Men’s Six Nations Rugby Championship, Allianz, Principality and Scottish Gas Murrayfield stadiums
15 February-14 March

One of the highlights of the UK’s sporting calendar, this six-week tournament has been defining rugby since 1883. Nearly 180 million people tuned in to watch six nations battle it out last year – so whether you grab some tickets or soak up the excitement in the comfort of your own home, you can count on old rivalries resurfacing and also new stars being made. www.sixnationsrugby.com

Dracula, Noel Coward Theatre, London
2 February – 30 May

Following the massive success of Wicked and Wicked: For Good, celebrated Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner, Cynthia Erivo, returns to the stage for the first time in almost a decade. Starring in a brave reimagining of Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, she will play all 23 characters in this chilling tale, directed by visionary theatre maker, Kip Williams. www.draculawestend.com

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebrations, cities across the UK
Dates throughout February

Celebrate the year of the horse by visiting one of the colourful parades taking place across the country. Head to the capital on 21 and 22 February for the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia with red lanterns, floats and street food aplenty. Then check out Manchester’s spectacular Dragon Parade on 15 February or Birmingham’s Hippodrome Square between 17 and 22 February for a New Year Market, funfair and cultural performances.

Shadowlands, Aldwich Theatre, London
5 February – 9 May

Hugh Bonneville takes a break from Paddington and Downton Abbey to star in William Nicholson’s beloved play about celebrated author, C.S Lewis. Based around the unexpected love affair between academic Lewis and American poet, Joy Davidman (played by Maggie Siff of Mad Men and Sons of Anarchy), this production will inspire bookworms young and old. www.shadowlandsplay.com

Ramses & The Pharaohs’ Gold, Neon, Battersea Power Station, London
From 28 February

Ramses the Great ruled ancient Egypt for nearly 67 years, so this astounding exhibition, part of a global tour, is your chance to immerse yourself into the extraordinary world of the Warrior King. Showcasing 180 priceless artefacts on loan from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiques, encounter ornate sarcophagi, royal masks and then the original wooden coffin that once held the legendary Pharaoh’s mummy. www.RamsesTheExhibition.co.uk

Vegan Festival, Paisley, Stockport and Essex
Various dates

If Veganuary has inspired you to go plant-based, be sure to visit one of the fabulous vegan events springing up near you. This month hosts The Scotland Vegan Festival (7 February), Stockport Vegan Festival (15 February) and Essex Vegan Festival (21 February), where you can indulge in all things plant-powered – from food and drink to beauty, homeware and workshops. www.veganeventsuk.co.uk

John Moores Painting Prize, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Until 1 March 2026

Then there’s the chance to catch prestigious exhibition, John Moores Painting Prize at Walker Art Gallery, with the Visitor’s Choice set to be announced mid-month. Renowned for supporting artists – established and emerging – from all across the UK, the competition provides a platform to inspire and disrupt the art world, with previous winners also including David Hockney, Sir Peter Black and Rose Wylie. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Scottish Snowdrop Festival, locations across Scotland
Dates throughout February

Swathes of delicate white flowers grace gardens across the UK throughout February, and the Scottish Snowdrop Festival has now become one of the most significant annual gardening events for green fingers anticipating the start of spring. Take in breathtaking displays within stately grounds such as Branklyn Garden, Castle Fraser and Newhailes Estate, or visit private gardens and stock up on plants to cultivate your own splendid display.  www.nts.org.uk and www.discoverscottisgardens.org

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Guinness Men’s Six Nationals Rugby Championship

WHEN? 5 February–14 March 2026
WHERE? London’s Allianz Stadium, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium
Millions will be glued to ‘Rugby’s Greatest Championship’ as this annual tournament returns in February. Feel the tension as 140-year-old rivalries resurface as six participating European nations, including England, Scotland, and Wales, battle it out for the trophy in four locations.

HOW MUCH? As you would expect, tickets for Six Nations are like gold dust, but there are still packages you can purchase. Book The Gate; the chop-house style restaurant with premium views of a match. From £1,593 for England versus Ireland, and £1,349 for England versus Wales. www.keithprowse.co.uk

The Randox Grand National

WHEN? 9–11 April 2026
WHERE? Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
As a much-loved national institution, The Grand National is hailed as ‘the world’s greatest jump race’. From the raw excitement of Opening Day to the big hat social that is Ladies Day; the globe tunes in for the main event — Grand National Day — to see favourites fall or flourish, and underdogs make history.

HOW MUCH? For spine-tingling indulgence book a Grandstand Box, which includes private chauffeur transfer, premier course admission, private balcony overlooking the Winning Post, Champagne, four-course lunch and afternoon tea. Price on enquiry. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Wimbledon Tennis Championships

WHEN? 29 June–12 July 2026
WHERE? The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
The world’s oldest tennis tournament — and the only Grand Slam game to still be played on grass — Wimbledon continues to be one of the most sought-after events in the sporting calendar. Watch newcomers take on champions and lap up the rollercoaster of complete on-court silence before rapturous applause.

HOW MUCH? Opt for a hospitality package through Keith Prowse, the official hospitality partner of The Championship, which includes prime seating and court of your choice, along with award-winning menus by Michelin star chefs such as Marcus Wareing and Michel Roux. From £1,145. www.keithprowse.co.uk

British Grand Prix

WHEN? 2–5 July 2026
WHERE? Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
The standout event of the Formula 1 schedule, The British Grand Prix is a high-octane celebration of sport, music, and entertainment. On the bucket-list of motorsport enthusiasts, every race-defining moment at ‘the home of British Motorsport’, Silverstone, makes this a world-class event to experience for yourself.

HOW MUCH? For the finest trackside views, free-flowing drinks and all-inclusive menus, choose the Sprint Race Lounge, £1,600. We say experience the thrill of waking up trackside by booking a luxurious Escapade Residence, from £25,000 to £76,000 for a four night stay with breakfast. www.silverstone.co.uk

The Open Golf Championship

WHEN? 12–19 July 2026
WHERE? Royal Birkdale, Southport
As the oldest annual golf tournament, The Open celebrates its 154th year in style at the Southport links course. A chance to watch golfing superstars battle it out with the Seven of tomorrow, wait with bated breath to see who will be named Champion Golfer of the Year and lift the Claret Jug.

HOW MUCH? Secure your place through hospitality or ticket and accommodation packages. Watch in style by selecting the Signature Package for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to access Clarence, Dunes House, The Retreat and Links. From £2145 plus VAT. www.theopen.com

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